I was at the veranda of Villa Igang at Guimaras, laptop on my table and a twilit panoramic view of the sea out the deck when I received an e-mail from the Philippine Blog Awards informing me that my blog, Lakad Pilipinas, was a finalist for its Luzon Culture and Arts Category.

The sun had just set and I just came back dripping wet from another session of shooting by the sea but the thought of drying myself was set for later; I was soon scrambling across the PBA site and checking out the other nominations, it turned out I got six! Six! Yes six! I cannot believe my eyes, six! Last year, I didn’t even get one! Wow!

I was especially psyched to be a finalist for the Travel Category at the National Level, but I was totally not expecting to win it since it was filled with excellent travel blogs from my own blogging heroes. The night of reckoning was held at the Carlos P. Romulo Hall at the RCBC Tower in Ayala just in time for my flight back to Manila.

I guess every blogger worth his salt was there and everyone seems to know everyone else. I don’t know anyone else besides L who came with me. Although I saw Nina and Ferdz Decena, two of the most prolific travel bloggers in our country, I was too shy to approach and talk to them.

After what seemed a long time of nervous waiting, Gang Badoy of RockEd Philippines finally entered the stage and started the show. Her usual witty and snappy lines got the crowd rolling.

The first category was for Culture and Arts. I was crossing my fingers, hoping my blog wouldn’t be the first one to be flashed on the screen as it just seemed embarrassing that way. And yes, my blog was the very first name that was flashed on the screen; cringe-worthy moment haha.

Good thing I didn’t win this category as I felt there were more worthy blogs for this than mine. Lakad Pilipinas was mentioned six times throughout the event, the guys from Pinoy Travel Bloggers Bagets cheering every time (thanks guys!), and I got to get onstage twice; the first one for the Best Travel Blog and the second one for the Best Photoblog Category which were both for Luzon. I bumbled my way through the speeches and claimed my Bulol trophies.

The trophies, which were wooden hand carved rice granary gods from the Luzon highlands were very fitting for this region’s winners; only thing was there’s not even a plaque or carving with the category or even the Philippine Blog Awards name on it. I guess I’ll have to engrave them myself haha (will post it here once it’s done). I didn’t win the National Level for the Travel category, but that’s okay with me. To be a finalist at that level felt almost like winning already. Among the 16 fantastic finalists; We are Sole Sisters took the award to the cheers of everyone including me.

Bagging two Luzon level awards was a pretty good achievement for my two-year old blog; I’m totally happy with the outcome of the event. I was also glad to meet the people behind the other travel blogs I’ve been visiting and got together with for a late dinner afterwards with the Pinoy Travel Bloggers Bagets which were a riot to be with. But the real icing on the cake was meeting Francis Brew of the Dawn with his girlfriend Nina who won for the Best Photoblog for the National Level. It’s not everyday that a rockstar approaches you out of nowhere, grabs your hands and gives you a huge congratulations. Man, did that complete my day.

Six nominations, two awards, one rockstar and a bunch of new friends; the 2011 Philippine Blog Awards rocked! Thanks so much PBA!

when you immediately see someone deserving to be recognized for their craft, you don't hesitate to think twice but instead let the world know that a photo genius from Malabon exists to rock your blogging world! Congrats Christian! a well-deserved win! ^_^

You already!I was having that ingit moment kasi your in Iloilo base in your last post..Tapos susunod PBA nah!Wala ako masabi, galing mo talaga..Sykes Photo Club and Pinoy Travel Bloggers should be very proud to have you!Congratulations Christian!